Lost Souls by J. Bishop (the giving tree read aloud txt) 📗

“You’re welcome,” said Remalla.

“Why do you think Chad and Lydia made an appearance?” asked Mikey. “What were they trying to tell you?”

“I wish I knew,” said Mason. “After we left, they disappeared. I tried to reach out afterward, but they didn’t return.”

“What’s your take on it? You think Cissy’s innocent or guilty?” asked Mikey.

Mason thought back on the interview. “My gut tells me she’s innocent, but my gut’s been wrong before. Trick certainly believes in her. Chad did have an affair though, and I saw a glimpse of Cissy’s temper. Women can do crazy things when their husbands cheat. Plus, she lied about going to see Lydia.”

“You need to check out Lydia,” said Remalla. “Find out what her story is. Is she really nuts, or is that just Cissy’s story?”

“It’s on the list,” said Mason, “plus talking to Chad’s co-workers. Maybe they can shed some light on Lydia, plus any relationship she may have had with Chad or anyone else.” He grabbed a peanut from the bowl. “You think Bevins and Winkler would talk to us about the case?”

Remalla nodded. “I can ask. But they won’t tell you everything. They’ll keep their cards close to the vest until they’re ready to reveal them.”

“Yeah. I know,” said Mason, chewing the peanut. “Something tells me they’re trying to link Cissy to Lydia’s death. If they find out Cissy went to see her, it’ll be another nail in that box they’re trying to seal.”

“It will,” said Remalla, “which is why you need to get out ahead of this as fast as possible. Obviously, they don’t have a smoking gun when it comes to Lydia or they would have arrested Cissy by now. Confronting her husband’s mistress and leaving cryptic comments on a picture aren’t enough to convict.”

“Let’s assume Cissy didn’t do it,” said Mikey. “Then who’s running around killing people? Lydia drowns two weeks before Chad is shot. Who would want them both dead?”

“Chad stayed home the day he was murdered,” said Remalla. “Was he avoiding someone? And if he was, it obviously wasn’t Cissy, which bodes well for her.”

“Or could Cissy be in on this with someone else?” asked Mikey. “Was she lying about having an affair of her own?”

Mason’s head hurt. He picked up his glass, drained the rest of his drink, and put the glass down.

“You better check out Cissy, too,” said Remalla. “I know Trick vouches for her, but he hasn’t seen her or Chad in a while. The phone and credit card records will help, but that’s just a start.”

“I’m getting that,” said Mason. “So much for this being a two-day distraction.” He eyed Mikey. “I think you may have to push back a few more appointments.”

“I can do that,” said Mikey. “Serita Avery called back today. Said she saw that man in the mirror again and it freaked her out. I told her you were busy until next week, but she was willing to wait.”

“That’s fine,” said Mason, with a sigh. “You need to check the books for this month. Our finances may take a hit since I’m working for free at the moment.”

Mikey finished her beer. “We’ll be fine. We can take it, as long as you don’t stay pro bono for long. Tell Chad and Lydia to give you some hints about who did it so you can get back to helping other dead people.”

Remalla drained his beer. “Thank God I work with the living.” He checked his watch. “You ready? I’ve got an early day tomorrow.”

Mikey nodded. “I’m ready. You all right, Mason? You want us to wait?”

“No. Go home,” said Mason. “I’ll settle up with Charlie and head out. I’ve got a busy day tomorrow, too.”

“I’d offer to leave her here with you if I could,” said Remalla, “but she drove.” He ticked a brow at Mikey. “Which may be a good reason to find another ride.” He shot a thumb at Mikey. “You ever feel you’re taking your life in your hands when you’re in the car with her?”

Mason noticed the woman from the corner table watching, but she looked away again when he glanced over. “Every time.”

“Hey,” said Mikey. “There’s nothing wrong with my driving.”

Remalla shot out a hand. “You almost ran that guy off the highway, and took his bumper with you. He followed us, and if I hadn’t flashed my badge, you’d have had to use those karate skills of yours to survive.”

“Karate skills?” asked Mason. “What karate skills?”

Mikey swatted him in the arm. “I told you I was taking a self-defense class. I started it last week.”

“You did?” asked Mason.

Mikey huffed. “You have the worst memory. Why do I tell you anything?”

“Sorry,” said Mason, pulling out his wallet. “I’ve been preoccupied. How was your class?” He put bills on the counter.

Mikey slid off the bar seat. “Pretty good. That marshmallow man was toast, once I finally got away from him.”

Remalla chuckled.

“Marshmallow man?” asked Mason.

“The guy with all the padding,” said Mikey. “I kicked the shit out of him.”

“I almost feel sorry for him,” said Remalla, standing and throwing some cash on the bar. “I’ll get those cigarettes to the lab, and I’ll ask Bevins and Winkler about talking to you. And if you need anything else, let me or Daniels know. To be honest, I’m a little curious to see what you find out.”

“I appreciate that,” said Mason.

Mikey touched Mason’s arm. “You sure you’re okay? I’m just going to drop Rem off and head home, so if you want to talk, you can call me.”

Mason smiled. “Thanks, but I’m better. I just needed to sit and be on my own for a bit. Once I get some sleep, I’ll be good to go.”

Mikey eyed him, as if gauging his truthfulness. “Then I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow,” said Mason. “Keep me posted, Rem, and I’ll do the same.”

Remalla waved. “Will do.” He walked to the door and held it open for Mikey. Charlie took the cash from the bar, and Mason sought out the woman with the